Redefining the road: China, Tarrifs and Connected Cars

In this packed episode of Auto Futurecast, host Chris Kirby sits down with Tony Whitehorn, former President and CEO of Hyundai U.K. and one of the most experienced minds in the automotive world for a comprehensive conversation about the forces redefining the global car industry. From electric vehicles to geopolitical power plays, connected services to customer expectations, this discussion dives deep into the massive disruption hitting every corner of the automotive value chain. Tony brings decades of OEM leadership experience to unpack how the traditional automotive landscape, built on century-old principles of manufacturing, brand loyalty, and distribution, is rapidly evolving. The conversation explores: Electrification & Brand Fluidity: Why EV adoption is reshaping customer loyalty and allowing new players, particularly from China, to leapfrog established brands through quality, affordability, and tech innovation. China’s Global Push: With over 90 EV manufacturers and a robust domestic base, China is poised to dominate global exports. Tony and Chris explore how this is playing out in the U.K., the Middle East, and beyond and why Chinese brands are succeeding where others have stumbled. Tariffs & Geopolitics: As the U.S. ramps up tariffs and trade barriers, Tony explains how this “blunt stick” approach may accelerate global realignment, force OEMs to pivot manufacturing, and create ripple effects across Europe, India, and emerging markets. The Connected Car Data Opportunity: Despite years of hype, most OEMs still haven’t unlocked the value of the vast data coming from connected vehicles. Tony outlines why software-defined vehicles are only the beginning and how monetizing features, services, and real-time data will define the next decade. OEMs vs. Agility: Traditional OEMs are often hampered by internal layers, legacy dealer models, and slow decision-making. They explore why tech startups and vertically integrated challengers (particularly in China and the Middle East) are better positioned to move fast and innovate. The Role of Subscriptions & Flexibility: Tony and Chris look at how consumer behaviour is shifting from long-term ownership to flexible access, from hardware to software upgrades and what that means for leasing, financing, and vehicle lifecycle management. As Tony puts it, “The industry is moving from preservation to transformation,” and companies that don’t rethink their strategies, from production to customer relationships, may find themselves left behind. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in automotive leadership, mobility tech, EV strategy, or simply fascinated by where the car industry is heading. It’s a masterclass in understanding the global dynamics, market opportunities, and technology shifts that are shaping the automotive world.